New to Speedway?
Getting Started
Whether you want to watch from the stands or get behind the wheel, this guide covers everything you need to know about New Zealand speedway.
As a Spectator
Your first speedway night is unforgettable — the noise, the dirt, the crashes, the atmosphere. Here is what to expect.
What to Expect
A typical race night features multiple classes racing heats and finals. Expect 3–4 hours of action with short breaks between races. Food and drinks are available at the track. The atmosphere is family-friendly and the crowd is passionate.
Admission
Adults typically $15–$25. Children under 12 are often free or heavily discounted. Family passes are usually available. Championship events may cost more.
What to Bring
- • Ear protection — it is loud, especially for children
- • Warm clothing — evenings get cold, even in summer
- • Rain gear — most tracks are uncovered
- • Cash — some tracks are cash-only at the gate
When & Where
The season runs October to April. Events are usually Saturday evenings under lights, starting around 5–6pm. Check our calendar for upcoming events.
Best Seats
For contact classes (Superstocks, Stockcars), sit near the fence in the corners — that is where most of the big hits happen. For open-wheel speed classes (Sprintcars, Midgets), the main straight gives you the best view of the spectacular sideways racing and close finishes.
As a Driver — Youth Pathways
New Zealand speedway has excellent youth development. Kids can start racing from age 8 and progress through structured pathways into adult classes.
Quarter Midgets
Ages 8–15 • Non-contact open-wheel
Purpose-built small open-wheel cars. Learn racecraft, car control, and oval racing fundamentals in a safe, controlled environment.
TQ Midgets / Youth Ministocks
Ages 12–16 • Non-contact / Limited contact
Step up in speed and competition. TQs are open-wheel; Youth Ministocks introduce sedan-style racing with light contact.
Youth Ministocks
Ages 12–16 • Limited contact
Affordable, small sedan-style cars. Learn race-craft with light contact. The most popular youth class in NZ.
Streetstocks / Stockcars / Saloons
Ages 16+ • Full or limited contact
Graduate into adult sedan classes. Choose your path: full-contact Stockcars, competitive Saloons, or hard-hitting Streetstocks.
Youth Saloons
Under 16 • Limited contact
Near-standard production cars with safety mods. Teaches car setup, mechanical skills, and competitive racing in a sedan format.
Production Saloons / Saloons
Ages 16+ • Limited contact
Natural progression from Youth Saloons. Close, competitive racing with production-based cars. Strong national championship scene.
As a Driver — Adult Entry Points
Never raced before? No problem. These classes are designed for newcomers with varying budgets.
Demo Derby
The cheapest way to race. Buy any old car, strip it to the rules, and go have fun. Great for trying speedway with minimal investment. Full contact — last car running wins.
Production Saloons
Race a near-standard road car with safety modifications. Limited contact class with close, competitive racing. One of the most popular entry-level classes in NZ.
Adult Ministocks
Small, affordable cars with limited contact racing. A fun social class that does not require a huge budget. Many tracks run Ministocks every race night.
Streetstocks
Full-contact sedan racing. More serious than Demo Derby with purpose-built roll cages and safety gear. Exciting, hard-hitting class with strong competition nationwide.
Licensing
You need a Speedway NZ licence to race at any sanctioned event. Here are the licence types, costs, and how to apply.
| Licence Type | Cost | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Derby Licence | $170 | Demo Derby events only |
| Regional Licence | $310 | Race at your home track and nearby tracks |
| National Licence | $370 | Race at any NZ track, enter national championships |
| International Licence | $470 | Race in NZ and overseas (Australia, etc.) |
| Youth Licence | $170 | Youth classes (Quarter Midgets, Youth Ministocks, Youth Saloons) |
How to Get Licensed
Join a local speedway club affiliated with Speedway NZ
Apply for your licence online at speedway.co.nz
Complete a medical declaration and pay the licence fee
Pass scrutineering at your first event (car safety inspection)
Safety Gear
Safety is taken seriously in NZ speedway. All of the following are mandatory — you will not pass scrutineering without them.
Helmet
Full-face helmet meeting Snell SA2015 or newer standard. Checked by scrutineers at every event. Budget around $300–$800.
Fire-Retardant Suit
SFI 3.2A/1 or higher rated driving suit. Protects against fire for critical seconds. Single-layer suits start around $200.
Gloves & Boots
Fire-retardant racing gloves and boots. Must cover wrists and ankles completely.
HANS Device / FHR
Frontal Head Restraint is mandatory for any car with a 4-point or higher harness. Prevents basilar skull fractures in impacts. Budget $500–$1,500.
Roll Cage
Mandatory in all classes. Must be constructed from approved chromoly or mild steel tubing to Speedway NZ specifications. The cage is your primary protection.
Racing Seat & Harness
Approved aluminium racing seat with minimum 5-point harness (6-point preferred). Must be mounted to the roll cage, not the floor.
Find Your Local Track
New Zealand has speedway tracks from Whangarei to Invercargill. Find your nearest track and check when the next race night is.